is practically equal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is practically equal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express that two values or concepts are very close in value or meaning, but not exactly the same. Example: "In terms of performance, the two models are practically equal, making it difficult to choose between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The stoichiometric number is practically equal to 2. The experimental activation energy is 11·2 kcal/mole.

Electrochimica Acta

The final adiabatic pressure after detonation is practically equal to the deflagration pressure because there is only a small difference in burn completeness.

Fusion Engineering and Design

However, the correlation between the two parameter estimates is usually very high and in many cases is practically equal to one.

Chemical Engineering Science

Activity of 226Ra in radium daughter products free solution was determined by 4πα liquid scintillation counting (LSC) method, where the detection efficiency of radium decay is practically equal to 1.

Applied Radiation and Isotopes

Analyzing acceleration considering the 3-axis accelerometer, it should be noted that cautious and reckless Z-distribution is practically equal to the normal curve, as shown in Fig. 25.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Becker tests are characterised by a short duration (1, 3, 5 and 10 min) compared with that of the reactor tests and by the high number of the washing repetitions until the final pH measured is practically equal to the initial value.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In the 1970s, the two were practically equal in most OECD countries.

The Economist

It is shown that the two rate coefficients needed to represent a cycle are practically equal.

Chemical Engineering Science

This regeneration proved successful: the catalyst activity was practically equal to the initial one.

Chemical Engineering Science

Matrix elements symmetrical with respect to the main diagonal are practically equal to each other.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

At this value of K M, the median correlation coefficient for all 112 studies was practically equal to zero, < 0.0004 (dashed line in Figure 2C).

EJNMMI Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is practically equal" when comparing two elements that have minor variations, but their differences do not significantly impact the overall outcome or conclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "is practically equal" when the elements being compared have substantial differences that could lead to significantly different outcomes. Ensure the context justifies the near-equivalence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is practically equal" functions as a predicate adjective, linking a subject to a description of near-equivalence. Ludwig AI examples show it modifies subjects ranging from physical quantities to abstract concepts, denoting a similarity that is close enough to be considered the same for a given purpose.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

73%

News & Media

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is practically equal" is a useful phrase for expressing near-equivalence between two items. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in scientific and technical writing. When using this phrase, ensure that any existing differences are indeed insignificant for the context. As with any comparison, clarity is essential to avoid misinterpretations. Consider alternatives such as "is virtually the same" or "is nearly equivalent" depending on the nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is virtually the same

Emphasizes the equivalence to the point where any difference is negligible.

is almost identical

Highlights that the items being compared are very similar with only minor differences.

is nearly equivalent

Suggests a close degree of equivalence, though not perfect.

is essentially the same

Indicates that the core characteristics are the same, despite any superficial differences.

is roughly equivalent

Implies an approximate equivalence, allowing for some variation.

is for all intents and purposes equal

Highlights the legal or practical implications of considering things being equal.

is tantamount to

Indicates that something is virtually equal in effect or significance.

is much the same

Highlights similarity between things.

is pretty similar

Suggests that the items being compared are quite alike.

is akin to

Indicates a resemblance or similarity, but often in a more figurative sense.

FAQs

How can I use "is practically equal" in a sentence?

The phrase "is practically equal" indicates that two things are almost the same. For example, "The performance of both computers "is practically equal", so choose the cheaper one."

What are some alternatives to "is practically equal"?

You can use alternatives like "is virtually the same", "is almost identical", or "is nearly equivalent" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "is practically equal" in formal writing?

Yes, "is practically equal" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific or technical contexts where precise comparisons are necessary. However, ensure that the context genuinely supports the assertion of near-equivalence.

What's the difference between ""is practically equal"" and "is exactly equal"?

"Is practically equal" implies a small difference exists but is insignificant for the purpose at hand, while "is exactly equal" indicates no difference whatsoever. The choice depends on the level of precision required.